Posted By Stephanie Geosits On Sep 16 2010 @ 4:25 pm In New York Yankees | No Comments

The Rays beat the Yankees Wednesday in the rubber match of a three-game set to lay claim to first place in the AL East (for now). Each game was a nail-biter, confirming that the main post-season showdown will be when these two teams face each other.

In blowing two of three, the Yankees showed a few things – they can’t rely on CC to win when he’s not pitching so they better figure out the rotation and the bullpen soon, and they are showing some cracks under pressure. Specifically when Brett Gardner got caught stealing at third to end a late inning rally and when Girardi refused to go to Mo in a non-save situation.

The Yankees also dug a bit of a hole for themselves in event that the division winner will be decided by a tie-breaker. According to Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant, the Yankees lose in all the scenarios laid out by MLB as things stand.

The good news in Yankee Land, however, is after a three-game set in Baltimore, the Bombers host the Rays for four games in the Bronx. After that the Red Sox visit before the Yankees finish out the season in Toronto. If they want to make a move, the Bombers need to do it soon.